With the winter chill well and truly setting in; rolling out of bed in the morning and resisting weekend hibernation is getting harder. Making the decision to stay in your pyjamas all day and watch Netflix rather than go outside just seems easier. But, honestly there are only so many TV series you can watch – so why not get out and about in Canberra this winter? Here’s our top 10 picks of the best ways to keep warm and enjoy the cold weather.
Winter Festival in the City
23 June – 17 July
Enjoy a wintery wonderland in Canberra during June and July this year. The Winter Festival will play host to a range of European food stalls and snow-related activities including ice-skating and toboggan rides right in the heart of the city CBD.
Cheer on your favourite sporting team
It may be chilly near the rink, but the atmosphere is heating up to support of the CBR Brave.. The atmosphere at the games is electric and the anticipation is immense as soon as the Brave step out onto the ice. Make sure you check it out this season. Not an ice hockey fan? Then why not cheer on the Aquis Brumbies at one of their home games at GIO stadium? The next home game is this weekend when the Brumbies take on Japan’s Sunwolves in a historic match which sees Japan enter the Super Rugby competition for the first time.
Warm up in front of a fireplace
Canberra venues have some of the best and warmest fireplaces around. Whether it be Courtyard Restaurant, Walt & Burley or Hotel Hotel, book a table fire-side and be wined and dined in the warmest seat in the house.
Whisky tasting
Nothing warms you up faster than a nip of whisky. So sample a few and understand what makes a great whisky at any of Canberra’s specialist bars. A few that come to mind include: Hopscotch, Hippo Co and new Civic bar Suke Suke.
Bikram yoga
When the weather cools down our joints start to stiffen and get a little sore – so why not try a Bikram yoga class? There are a number of classes around the city offering classes for all levels so if you haven’t tried it before there really is no excuse.
Hike up Mount Ainslie
Take on Mount Ainslie and discover the mountains amazing views. This is the perfect time to discover one of Canberra’s best hiking trails and is also a great opportunity to work on that all important bikini-bod for summer.
Catch a show at Canberra Theatre
Canberra Theatre have a great line-up of shows for the winter season. Some highlights include: Gazillion Bubble Show, Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar and Ben Folds with Y Music.
Indulge in an amazing hot chocolate
There’s nothing better then a ridiculously indulgent hot chocolate on a miserable winter day! So lift your winter spirits with a sinfully sweet treat from one of Canberra’s best brewers – whether it be Koko Black, Max Brenner, Urban Pantry or Double Shot.
Catch a movie at Palace Electric
Whether you’re interested in a seasonal blockbuster or a film festival masterpiece, Palace Electric have got you covered. Starting on 26 May the Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now festival will be taking over screens, followed by HotDocs in late June and the Cine Latino Film Festival in August.
See Canberra’s cool-climate wines at their very best this winter and let Canberra Winery Tours take you there. Put aside the hassle of driving to each cellar door and taste the very best local produce in shofar driven comfort.